Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2109
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T08:08:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act" (H.R. 2109) aims to strengthen cybersecurity protections for small rural water and wastewater systems by incorporating specialized technical assistance into an existing federal program. This helps protect these essential utilities from cyber threats, such as hacking or data breaches that could disrupt clean water supply.
Key Provisions
- Program Expansion: The bill amends the national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to include cybersecurity technical assistance. This assistance targets rural water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people.
- Services include assessing how well a system guards against cyber threats (e.g., evaluating current defenses).
- Implementing cybersecurity plans, procedures, and technologies (e.g., setting up secure networks or training staff).
- Funding Authorization: Allocates $32.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the overall program.
- Of this amount, $7.5 million per year is specifically dedicated to cybersecurity technical assistance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendment to Core Statute: Modifies Section 306(a)(22) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(22)), which previously focused on general technical help like operations and maintenance for rural water systems.
- Adds a new clause explicitly requiring cybersecurity support, expanding the program's scope beyond traditional engineering aid.
- Funding Update: Replaces the prior authorization of $25 million per year for fiscal years 2019 through 2023 with the new, higher amount and extended timeline (2026–2030), including the earmarked cybersecurity funds. This ensures continuity and growth in program resources.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The USDA's Rural Utilities Service will need to integrate cybersecurity expertise into its circuit rider teams (experts who travel to provide on-site help), potentially requiring new training or partnerships with cybersecurity specialists. This could enhance federal oversight of critical infrastructure security.
- On Citizens: Rural residents, especially in areas with small water systems, benefit from reduced risk of cyber disruptions to water services, improving public health and safety. It addresses vulnerabilities in underserved areas where resources for cyber protection are limited.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though bolstering U.S. rural infrastructure security could indirectly support national resilience against foreign cyber threats.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural Water and Wastewater Utilities: Small systems (under 10,000 users) gain access to free or subsidized cybersecurity help, reducing costs for upgrades.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Responsible for implementing and funding the expanded program.
- Rural Communities and Residents: Primary beneficiaries through safer water infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity Experts and Providers: Opportunities for involvement in assessments and implementations via USDA contracts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The bill builds on existing federal authority under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act without creating new regulatory burdens. It promotes voluntary technical assistance rather than mandates, avoiding potential legal challenges over enforcement.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 8) to fund rural development and infrastructure. No apparent conflicts with federalism, as it supports state and local utilities without overriding local control.
- Political Implications: Introduced with bipartisan sponsorship (from representatives in North Carolina and Iowa), it reflects a focus on rural priorities and national security. Passage could signal growing congressional attention to cybersecurity in critical sectors like water, potentially influencing future infrastructure legislation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-04: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (3 pages)